How to Host a Fundraiser Using an Online March Madness Contest







Introduction



Looking for an exciting and interactive way to raise money for your organization or cause? Hosting an online March Madness contest is a perfect way to engage supporters while raising funds. Combining the thrill of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament with the convenience of modern platforms, an online bracket contest can drive participation and donations for your fundraiser.

Platforms like TheBigTourney.com make it easy to set up and manage your fundraiser. In this guide, we’ll show you how to create a successful fundraising campaign using a March Madness contest.

What is a March Madness Fundraiser?



A March Madness fundraiser leverages the popularity of the NCAA basketball tournament to generate donations. Participants pay an entry fee to join your bracket contest, make their predictions, and compete for prizes. A portion (or all) of the proceeds goes to your cause, creating a fun and impactful event.

Steps to Create a March Madness Fundraiser



1. Choose the Right Platform



    Using an online platform like TheBigTourney.com simplifies the process:
  • Easy setup for creating and managing brackets.
  • Automated scoring and real-time updates.
  • Customizable settings for entry fees, donations, and prizes.
  • No ads to distract participants.


2. Set Your Goals


Define your fundraiser’s objectives:
  • How much money do you want to raise?
  • What will be the entry fee? (Typical ranges: $5–$50 per bracket)
  • What percentage of entry fees will go to prizes? Decide if you’ll offer cash prizes, gift cards, or donated items.


3. Promote Your Fundraiser


  • Get the word out to maximize participation:
  • Social Media: Share on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
  • Email Campaigns: Send invitations to your supporters and their networks.
  • Local Outreach: Contact community groups, schools, and local businesses.


  • 4. Encourage Donations Beyond Entry Fees



    Offer options for supporters to donate directly, even if they don’t participate in the contest. Highlight how the funds will be used to inspire generosity.

    5. Monitor and Engage


    • Keep participants engaged throughout the tournament:
    • Post regular updates on scores and standings.
    • Share fun content like game previews, upset predictions, or trivia.
    • Thank participants and donors through email or social media.


    6. Wrap It Up Once the tournament ends:


    • Announce the winners and distribute prizes.
    • Share the results of your fundraiser, including the total amount raised and its impact.
    • Thank everyone who participated, and encourage them to join next year!

      Tips for Success



      Offer Incentives: Provide exciting prizes to encourage participation.


      Partner with Local Businesses: Seek sponsorships or prize donations to maximize your proceeds.
      Make It Social: Create a hashtag for your fundraiser and encourage participants to share their brackets.

      Why Use TheBigTourney.com for Your Fundraiser?



      TheBigTourney.com offers:
      • Ad-Free Experience: Keep participants focused on your fundraiser.
      • Customization Options: Tailor the contest to suit your goals and audience.
      • Ease of Use: Intuitive tools for setup, management, and participant tracking.
      • With its user-friendly design and robust features, TheBigTourney.com ensures your fundraiser runs smoothly and delivers results.



      Conclusion



      Hosting a March Madness fundraiser is a fun, engaging, and effective way to support your cause. With tools like TheBigTourney.com, you can set up a professional online contest, reach a broad audience, and achieve your fundraising goals.

      Get started today and turn the excitement of March Madness into a meaningful impact for your organization.